5.Major Functions of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecules in nature. The term carbohydrate is derived from the French term hydrate de carbon indicating that it is a hydrate of carbon or CnH2nOn or (CH2O)n. Carbohydrates are often referred to as saccharides. They are broadly classified into three major groups: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. This categorization is based on the number of sugar units.

Functions of Carbohydrates

1. Carbohydrates are the most abundant dietary source of energy 4Cal/ g for all organisms.